Call for Nominations for M.B. Community Awards
Each year, the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce recognizes local individuals and businesses who represent what is best about our community. The Chamber’s Annual Awards program serves as an opportunity to identify those who have gone above and beyond.
The Chamber is looking for help bringing attention to local businesses and citizens who deserve consideration for one of these awards. Chamber and non-chamber community members are asked to provide as much information as possible as it will serve as the starting point for the Awards Committee.
Both third party and self-nominations are accepted and welcomed, however nominees must not have previously received the award. Readers can check out pass winners and nominate individuals or businesses at morrochamber.org/community-awards
Readers may also download the nomination forms then print, scan and email them to info@morrochamber.org or print then mail/drop them off to:
Morro Bay Chamber
Attn: Community Awards
695 Harbor Street
Morro Bay, CA 93442
All nominations must be received by the Chamber of Commerce no later than April 6, 2025. Awards will be presented in on Friday, May 17.
Fundraiser for Neurological Disorder Brings in $50,000
A fundraiser held to support Sisters’ Hope Foundation brought in $50,000 for the cause. Pictured are Petra Kauffmann, chief medical officer/Vigil Neuroscience (Massachusetts);
Heidi Edwards, founder and president Sisters’ Hope Foundation (Pennsylvania); Kim Cade, board director for Sisters’ Hope Foundation (California); and Cynthia Cassandro, VP patient advocacy & engagement/Vigil Neuroscience (Massachusetts).Photo submitted
More than 100 people from SLO County recently raised $50,000 to support the Sisters’ Hope Foundation, the sole organization supporting patients suffering from a fatal neurological disease.
ALSP (Adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia) is a rare, fatal, and progressive neurological disease caused by a mutation in the CSF1R gene, leading to changes in the brain’s white matter.
Morro Bay resident Kim Cade, who works with leukodystrophy organizations pushing for FDA-approved treatments for terminal brain diseases, is the board director for the California branch of Sisters’ Hope Foundation. The disease is one she knows far too well.
“In 2021, my youngest brother was diagnosed with a rare, rapidly progressive, and fatal brain disorder, ALSP,” Cade said in an email. “The disease attacked his motor skills. He cannot walk or speak. My middle brother followed with cognitive symptoms in 2022 and was also diagnosed with the disease. Unfortunately, he will not live past 2025.”
ALSP makes up 25% of all leukodystrophies and hits patients in their prime, typically in their 30s to 50s. There is no cure or FDA-approved treatments. However, because this disease mimics other brain disorders like MS, Parkinson, and Epilepsy, any future treatments identified for ALSP will likely crossover to other diseases.
Sponsors for the event were: SLO Credit Union, Dr. Brad & Laura Richie, Jeff & Melodee Brady, & Dr. Joel Lardizabal Cardiology, Highway One Rental, Sim Real Estate, CoastHills Credit Union, SLO CTE Foundation, Vigil Neuroscience, Dr. Alex Harrison Cardiology.
Bay Love and Jon Stephen provided live music for the evening.
For more information or to donate, go to sistershopefoundation.org.
Rodeo Donates to Local Charities
The Creston Classic Rodeo (CCR) recently donated needed funds to local charities to support their efforts in providing services to the Creston Community.
Creston Classic Rodeo donated $20,000 to the Creston Community Association (CCA) to help the continuing effort to convert, remodel, and improve Creston’s old fire station into a Community Center for local resident and group use.
Another $8,000 was donated to the Creston Pool to maintain the community pool and keep it open and free for Creston kids and adults.
“Creston Classic Rodeo is pleased to present these funds to support local efforts to fill the needs of the Creston Community,” said CCR President Tom Bordonaro. “These funds will go a long way to building a facility for all Crestonians to enjoy as well as continue the over 60-year tradition of providing a pool for Creston kids.”
Creston Classic Rodeo is a tax-deductible charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and sustain public and charitable programs that provide a direct benefit to the Creston Community.
CCR is an all-volunteer rodeo established in 1996 and has been held annually every September. The29th Ever Creston Classic Rodeo will be held September 11 – 14. 2025. Sponsors and volunteers can learn more and sign up to help at CrestonClassicRodeo.org.
Spokes Supports County Nonprofits
Spokes, a countywide organization providing resources to empower the nonprofit community, is offering multiple new educational opportunities in March.
As the nonprofit community faces uncertainty amidst new executive actions from the current administration, classes are designed to help support nonprofit leaders, staff, and current and prospective board directors.
“As executive actions create new challenges for nonprofits, strong and informed leadership is more crucial than ever,” said Michael Simkins, CEO of Spokes. “We remain committed to equipping our local nonprofit community with educational resources to help them navigate this time of uncertainty.”
Classes
• March 11: Better Decisions, Better Outcomes
In-person from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at SLO Rep/ACT Headquarters: 3533 Empleo Street, SLO. The cost, which includes lunch, is $60; $35 for Spokes members
Designed for executive directors, board presidents and others who facilitate group decision making, this in-person class will teach structured facilitation techniques that encourage diverse perspectives, prevent groupthink and help anticipate challenges.
• March 13: Board Service 101
This class is free and is online from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Designed for prospective nonprofit board members, this basics course will help educate interested community members on what to expect when serving on a nonprofit board––from personal and public benefits and responsibilities to time and financial commitment.
For more information and to register go to spokesfononprofits.org.
Are you or a neighbor Taking Care of Business. Is your business, including non-profits, supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Perhaps you have a job opportunity, or have been doing some volunteer work, or are collaborating with another business or a non-profit. Or maybe you know someone who is. Submit your awesome local efforts for publication to EditorEBN@gmail.com.
